Though many residents discover Colliers Wood only because prices in Clapham or Tooting have forced them further down the Northern Line, Colliers Wood should not only be seen as a cheaper alternative to other South West London suburbs. It should no longer be famous for the tower near the station, once voted the ugliest building in London, either - this building is being redeveloped. What Colliers Wood should be known for is its shopping amenities, good local schools, quiet streets - and pretty walks along the River Wandle and the several parks along its banks.
Colliers Wood is an area that attracts a lot of young couples and young professional sharers. The area is something of a retail hub, but with large shopping centres housing major chain shops rather than independent local businesses. The area is known by locals as 'Collywood'.
Colliers Wood is a safe place to live, and has an average crime rating from the Met police. Both the 2014/2015 crime rate and violence against the person rate were lower than the London rates.
Parking is about average in this area, and car ownership is just slightly lower here than in London overall. Road links in this area, including the A24, are good - and many people travel to the area's shopping amenities by car - but there can be trouble with traffic.
Colliers Wood has a good range of pubs and restaurants, but residents may need to take advantage of the Northern Line - and its 24/7 service at weekends - for things like cocktails bars and nightclubs.
It is possible to find a family home in this area, which has a good selection of terraced houses. There are several parks in Colliers Wood, many of these along the River Wandle, as well as several nearby recreation grounds. It's also a short journey to Wimbledon Common. Colliers Wood is home to a popular, 'outstanding' primary school - Singlegate - and several 'good' options. There are no state secondary schools or private schools in Colliers Wood, but there are several that get good results nearby. The percentage of the population that is aged 0-15 is a bit low for London.
There is a range of housing available in Colliers Wood that includes terrace houses. The River Wandle and many parks that lie alongside it make up much of Colliers Wood's green and open space - but it's also just a short journey to Wimbledon Common. This would be a good place to own a dog. Wimbledon Common offers opportunities for horse riding as well.
This is a fairly well-connected part of South West London. Colliers Wood is in Zone 3, and has its on Tube station on the Northern Line. Haydons Road station has trains to Waterloo and St Pancras. The area is well served by local buses, and road links - including the A24 - are good, if sometimes congested.